Afton State Park has many events planned for September. See below and plan ahead for fall activity.

September 5-12
Saturday, September 5th
10:30-11 a.m. Nature Story Time
Meet near the Visitor Center
Join a naturalist where we will read a story and learn about the natural world. The book for this program will be "The Prairie That Nature Built"; by Marybeth Lorbiecki. We will explore the prairie ecosystem and investigate the animals and plants that call it home. This program is most suitable for children 10 and under.

1-3 p.m. Majestic Mussels
Drop by Duluth Junction where Gateway and Brown’s Creek Trails meet
Discover the hidden world beneath the St. Croix River! Come drop by and explore a nature table about the fascinating freshwater mussels of Minnesota. With over 50 native species, these incredible animals help keep our rivers clean. Visitors can examine real shells, play a mussel matching game, and uncover the amazing life cycle of mussels, including their remarkable partnership with fish. Suitable for all ages.

Saturday, September 12th
1-3 pm Fossil Fast Facts
Meet at the Afton State Park Visitor Center
This fun nature table will explore Minnesota's fossil world and teach you about some of the common fossils found here. Drop by and learn some fun fossil facts!

7-8 pm Owl Prowl
Meet inside the Afton State Park Visitor Center
We often hear them calling in the dark of night, but most of us are unfamiliar with the elusive creatures known as owls. At this program, you will learn how to identify the owls of Afton State Park by their calls and appearance. After the presentation, we’ll call the owls. This program is guaranteed to be a "hoot" for all ages! Meet at the Visitor Center and come prepared to step outside for a short while after the presentation, you may need a light.

Afton State Park & Brown’s Creek State Trail
September 19-26
Saturday, September 19th
9-10 a.m. Phenology of Afton
Meet at the Visitor Center
Phenology is the study of the timings in the natural world, and fall is full of fun events occurring! Visit the visitor center for a short program followed by a stroll where we will explore what is happening in Afton now.

1-2 p.m. Geocaching
Meet near the Visitor Center
Join us for a real-life treasure hunt as you learn the basics of geocaching using GPS technology. This beginner-friendly program will introduce you to how GPS units work and guide you on a search for hidden caches in the park. A limited number of GPS units will be available to borrow, or feel free to bring your own.

Saturday, September 26th
8:30-9:30 Birding Basics
Meet at the Afton State Park Visitor Center
Ever want to try out birding? Come to the Visitor Center where we will go over techniques, tips, and technologies that can be used for birders of all ages and abilities! This program is for new birders and will have a short presentation followed by an excursion outside to bird!

12-2 p.m. Brilliant Bears
Drop by at Brown’s Creek Trail in Stillwater
Bears are amazing creatures that live closer than most would think! Visit this nature table to take a sneak peek into their amazing world near the Stillwater trail head of the Brown’s Creek State Trail
If you need an accommodation, please contact Carolyn at Carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us or 651-201-6785, two weeks prior to the event.